Mental Health of Trafficked Women in Moldova
Author Information
Author(s): Ostrovschi Nicolae V, Prince Martin J, Zimmerman Cathy, Hotineanu Mihai A, Gorceag Lilia T, Gorceag Viorel I, Flach Clare, Abas Melanie A
Primary Institution: N.Testemitanu Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Hypothesis
What are the common forms of mental distress among women returning from trafficking?
Conclusion
Trafficked women returning to their country of origin are likely to suffer serious psychological distress that may endure well beyond the time they return.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of women diagnosed with co-morbid PTSD or another anxiety or mood disorder sustained a diagnosis during rehabilitation.
- 54% of women met criteria for at least one psychiatric diagnosis 2-12 months after return.
- 85% of women with co-morbid PTSD at crisis phase had a psychiatric illness diagnosed later.
Takeaway
Women who have been trafficked often feel very sad and scared even after they come home, and they need help to feel better.
Methodology
A longitudinal study assessed psychiatric diagnoses in women at two time points: within 5 days of return and 2-12 months after return.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been more distressed than those not in contact with services, potentially skewing results.
Limitations
The study may not represent all trafficked women as participants were those in contact with support services.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"18-20":21,"21-25":59,"26-30":14,"31-45":26},"marital_status_before_trafficking":{"single":82,"married/co-habiting":14,"separated/divorced/widowed":24},"education":{"primary_or_less":14,"lower_secondary":75,"upper_secondary_or_more":31},"employment_prior_to_trafficking":{"unemployed":82,"unqualified_work":25,"student/vocational_training":7,"qualified_work":6}}
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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